Zero's Subs vs Erik's DeliCafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Zero's Subs vs Erik's DeliCafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Zero's Subs Franchise
Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
Investment $150,000 - $250,000$303,500 - $521,600
Franchise Fee $15,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19671973
Year Franchised 19961986
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Renewal Fee 10% of current franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Zero's Subs Franchise
Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Zero's Subs Franchise
    Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Zero's Subs Franchise
    Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Ad slicks, National mediaCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (70% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    78% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 16

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Zero's Subs Franchise
    Erik's DeliCafe Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Zero's Subs

    In 1967, Gene Schmidt started ZERO'S SUBS. Zero’s Subs is one of the largest regional sandwich franchises in the U.S. with more than 30 restaurants nationally. Since its inception in Virginia Beach in 1967, Zero’s Subs has created a proven fast, casual concept which offers high-quality foods, such as hot oven-baked subs, hearth-baked bread, Hormel meats, buffalo chicken wings, innovative health-conscious salads, wraps and pizza - all under one roof.

    About Erik's DeliCafe

    After receiving his bachelor's degree in business and marketing, Erik Johnson tried his hand at accounting, security, food service and real estate before purchasing a 600-square-foot store in Scotts Valley, California, back in 1973. With help from his family, Johnson founded Erik's Deli Cafe, a quick-service and catering restaurant that served sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods.

    Johnson expanded his chain throughout Northern California before selling the first franchise in 1986.